Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

SOC Code: 47-2073

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss learn and follow safety regulations. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 100.0/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operation and Control, Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring.

AI-Proof Score: 100.0Very High
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Median Salary

$58,710

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Job Growth

3.6%

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Training Time

Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)

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Job Zone

Zone 2 / 5

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Training Cost

~$5,000

Key Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Monitoring
  • Repairing
  • Time Management
  • Troubleshooting

Common Tasks

  • Learn and follow safety regulations.
  • Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
  • Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
  • Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
  • Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.

Why AI-Proof?

  • Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
  • Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
  • Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
  • Social and regulatory barriers to full automation